Intending
to create a “diaper tricycle” for a baby shower, I began to search online for
the directions. I was stunned to find the amount of Do
It Yourself craft sites that are available. I was able to find an image of the
tricycle I had seen, find the directions and copy down the supply list to shop
for the required items.
DIY (Do it yourself) has become the latest craze in recent
years. From home improvement projects, to crafts and gifts, to chef quality
meals, DIY is the modern way to get things done. Major retail chains have
sprung up catering to home improvement projects. Craft store chains sell all
the supplies you could want or need. Websites can be found with pictures, step
by step directions and even videos for any type of project. The DIY'er has
immediate access to everything necessary.
DIY! Do it yourself! It seems to be the cry of our age. It
can be a good way to learn things and save money. But often people may attempt
projects they are not trained or equipped to handle. Projects can be more
difficult and exhausting that anticipated. The end results can be inferior and
sometimes require being ripped up and redone. It takes wisdom to know when to
allow someone with training to take on the project.
As I searched for my diaper tricycle, I was amazed at how
common the term DIY has become and how many websites are dedicated to these
projects. I also thought of how much this term can apply to the life in
general, even for believers in Jesus Christ. How often do we take on projects
in this life and simply assume that we can achieve the desired results with our
own strength? We can attempt to change ourselves or have the great plan to help
others. Because God directs us to do something, does not mean He leaves us
alone to do it by ourselves.
Our motto should be DIG - Do it with God! Everything He
directs us to do, He provides the power and instructions on how to accomplish
the task. The Holy Spirit is a constant companion and power source for any God
inspired task. Jesus promised that he would not leave us alone but send the
Holy Spirit. “If
you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor,
Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain
with you forever” (John
14:15-16 AMP) He has come to live in us. “Do you not know that your body is the temple (the
very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received
[as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,” (1
Corinthians 6:19AMP)
Consider all the resources that are available to us in the
abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener,
and Standby) Our prerequisite is to love and obey the commands of Jesus
and all the power of God is available to us. He must be the director and the
power source for our spiritual home improvement projects. We do not simply sit
back and do nothing. We allow Him to direct and we provide the ‘grunt’ labor at
His direction. He will provide all we need and He will be responsible for the
finished product. Character built in our lives will only come by God’s leadership
and power.
When we
serve others, we must also follow the DIG pattern for life. Self-sacrificing,
altruistic service can only provide some assistance to others. It can exhaust
the giver and actually hinder the work of God in a receiver’s life. Seeking the
direction of the Holy Spirit is the way to be completely effective in helping
others. He knows what each person needs and will direct us to the precise words
and actions to take. Following the Holy Spirit’s lead will assure that we have
the strength to follow through in our service to God and others. The end
results will be a joy at fulfilling God’s plan and a blessing to others.
The
apostle Paul gave us great instructions to live a DIG lifestyle. “Hold fast and follow the
pattern of wholesome and sound teaching which you have heard from me,
in [all] the faith and love which are [for us] in Christ Jesus.
Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently
adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy
Spirit Who makes His home in us.” (2
Timothy 1:13 –14 AMP) We follow the Bible’s teaching. In faith and love we
guard what has been entrusted to us, always relying on the Holy Spirit to work
in and through us.
Strive to
be known, not for your great DIY projects, rather for your DIG lifestyle. Your
life will run more smoothly and your joy will be complete.
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